GeneralThe ACBL
will set the
final Conditions of Contest. This includes any future
changes to the Conditions of Contest below. ACBL Management or its agent may,
at
their discretion, alter the Conditions of Contest.

Entrants are responsible for having their
programs compatible with the interactive software that will manage the contest,
referred to as the Table Manager. Some help will be available for this
purpose, but the responsibility lies with the entrant.

The contestants agree not to file
legal claims for any reason regarding this event against the ACBL, its agents, Directors
and administrators and other contestants. The persons filing
such legal claims shall not be eligible for future ACBL computer events.

The Conditions
of Contest include all relevant provisions of the ACBL code of behavior. One
violation of
the Conditions of Contest is cause for a warning or disqualification. A
second violation will result in disqualification. This applies to
all Conditions of Contest whether before, during and after the play dates.

Complaints
against players and officials may only be lodged with the ACBL Management. The disposition of these complaints will be final and
cannot be appealed. Any complaint deemed frivolous, false or capricious is
a violation of the Conditions of Contest.

I. An EntryAn entry consists of a program and a submitter or submitters. The
submitters must
own the program entered or represent the company that owns the program. The
submitters or company represented must be the developers of the program. A program (or a substantially similar version) may not be entered more than
once. The ACBL will be the sole judge as to the eligibility of a
program.

The program's operator may be either the submitter or,
with the permission of the ACBL or its agent, an acceptable person designated by the
submitter. Acceptability will be determined by the ACBL.

Programs must meet a minimum standard of
play to be determined solely by the ACBL.

Each participant must submit, if requested to do so, a copy of their program at the start of play.

For the purpose of checking that programs are not violating any of the
Event's requirements, various program tests may be done, including testing
before, during, and after the Event. Any test will respect the commercial
confidentiality and copyright of the source code, algorithms and other
intellectual property related to the program. A program's submitter,
operator and owner must comply and cooperate fully in any test.

II. Play
FormatIf there are six or fewer entries:Round
robin followed
by a final match.

If there are seven to eleven entries:Round robin followed by
semifinal and final match.

If there are twelve or more entries:Round robin, to be played in two
brackets with seeding, followed by
semifinal and final match.

(A) Round Robin:Matches against each opponent, IMP
scoring converted to Victory Points using a 20-VP scale. If there are
eight
or less entries, there will be 32-board matches. If there are nine or ten
entries, length of matches will be determined. If eleven or more entries
there will be two brackets and lenght of matches will be determined.

If six or less
entries, the top two contestants play a final; if seven to ten entries, the top four contestants play a
semifinal; if eleven or more entries, the top two
contestants in each bracket reach the semifinal.

(B) Semifinal:64 Boards, IMP scoring

If seven to ten entries, 1st plays
4th and 2nd plays 3rdIf eleven or
more entries, first of one bracket plays second in the other bracket.

Ties for the last position from the Round Robin:If there is a tie
for the last position, and one contestant must be eliminated, then a 10 Board
playoff will take place without carryover. If there are multiple ties for
the last position, and one or more contestants must be eliminated, then an
8-Board round-robin will take place, without carryover, with the final
positions determined by quotient. All multiple ties that do not include
elimination will be determined by a coin toss, for example, if there is a
two-way tie for 1st and 2nd or for 3rd and
4th.

(C) Final:64 Boards, IMP scoring

Deals in Play:Matches in the same round robin round will play the same deals (boards).
Files containing the match deals will be created randomly. Hand records
will be distributed by the
Coordinator after the start of each match.

Carryover: If six or less
entries, the top two contestants play a final with carryover; if seven to ten entries, the top four contestants play a
semifinal with carryover and then a final with carryover; if eleven or more entries, the top two
contestants in each bracket reach the semifinal, without carryover, and then a
final without carryover.

Only the contestant that
finishes higher in the round robin than it's opponent can be awarded a
carryover. The carryover, if applicable, will be equal to the lesser of (a) the
head-to-head VP difference the two opponents and (b) the their overall VP
difference. There is no carryover if the contestant finishing higher in
the round robin did not win the head-to-head round robin match against it's
opponent.

If any KO match ends in a tie then 8-board segments will be played until
there is a winner.

III. Schedule of
PlayThe schedule of play will be set by the
Coordinator. The Coordinator's approval is required for any deviation by
participants from the schedule, including, but not limited to, playing a match
at a different time than scheduled.
If the starting time for a session is not at, or near, the scheduled time, then
the Coordinator may require that a different set of deals be played.

Round Robin

For more than six entries, round robin play will be in a 4-session/day
schedule. Each session (based on 16 boards) is expected to be played, 4 minutes per board and
15 minutes for setup.

For six or less entries, round robin play will be
48-board matches. Each round robin match will be consist of three
16-board segments, with VP awarded based on the entire 48-board match.
Each 16-board segment is expected to be played, both ways, in under 2 1/2 hours,
allowing 2 hours 8 minutes for play and 15 minutes for setup. A small
break will be allowed between 16-board segments.

IV. a. Allowable
Systems and ConventionsLimited systems and conventions will
be allowed, modeled after the ACBL General Chart, modified to allow only natural
opening one bids. General details are given elsewhere. In general, non-standard systems and conventions will not be allowed, with
consideration given to what is standard in different parts of the world. The
Convention Card spreadsheet, shown elsewhere, is the definitive list of allowable Conventions.
Requests can be made for additional allowable conventions. The final decision on allowable conventions will be made by the Coordinator.

IV. b. Explainable
BidsIn all cases bids shown in red on the Convention Card
spreadsheet are explainable to the opponent, that is, the meaning of
the bid will be described to the opponent either through electronic
communication or through manual input. Also see the section describing Allowable/Explainable
Bids. Note that explainable bids are self-explainable,
that is, the bidder explains the bid to both opponents. An explanation may come from the
program, the operator, or a combination of both.

The input may be either electronic or
manual. Electronic input is not required.
An
operator may always revert to manual input.

An explanation is limited to the meaning of the current bid (in regard to the
entire auction). Only "new" information will be given, and will be
limited to all or part of that described in the protocol. All
"explainable" bids shall be recorded, with a record made of the information
given and the information input. This must be verified by both
contestants. Details of which bids are explainable are given elsewhere.

The program or operator may give the meaning of a bid or sequence of bids.

No
penalties will be imposed for
unintentional insufficient or inaccurate electronic transmission of information
relating to an explainable
bids. In general, if there is a protest due to information that was
transmitted electronically, the deal will be replayed using manual
input.

The operator must state before a match whether
Manual Input of the meaning of Explainable Bids will take place (a) as the bids are
made, (b) at the end of the auction, or (c) not at all. If (a) or (b) is
chosen, an exception will be allowed if it is declared before a match that the
meaning of certain conventional bids will never be input. One reason that
this option might be chosen is if a program already understands the meaning of
an explainable conventional bid. If any other exception is requested during play it must be made to the
Coordinator or Director, not the opponent.

Participants are not to
input the meaning of any bid that is not an explainable bid.
Participants must confine their input to the information contained in the
protocol. No exception can be made by the participants. If there is
a question regarding whether a bid is explainable or not, the Coordinator or
Director should be called to resolve the issue.

Input of the explanation
of an explainable bid will be consistent
with the Protocol(a similar
protocal may be specified by the ACBL). The explanation consists of the range of the
opponent's suit lengths, high card points, total points, or specific controls,
if relevant. Input also includes, when relevant, that a bid is asking for:
Aces, Kings, a 4- or 5- card major; a minor; support; a lead in suit; or lead not in
a suit. The explanation also includes whether a bid is forcing to
game, one round, or promises a rebid. That is a summary. The
actual input follows.

Explainable information consists of one or more of
the following pieces: (established in 2005)

"[n] cards in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"up to [n] cards in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"at least [n] cards in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"[n1] to [n2] cards in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)

"[n] total points"
"up to [n] total points"
"at least [n] total points"
"[n1] to [n2] total points"

"[n] points in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"up to [n] points in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"at least [n] points in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"[n1] to [n2] points in [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)

"[n] total aces"
"[n] total kings"
"ace of [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)
"king of [suit]" (repeated for each relevant suit)

"Asking for aces"
"Asking for kings"
"Asking for a major suit"
"Asking for a four-card major suit"
"Asking for a five-card major suit"
"Asking for a minor suit"
"Asking for a four-card suit"
"Asking for support""Asks for lead in [suit]"
"Asks for lead not in [suit]"
"Forcing for one round"
"Forcing until game""Promises a rebid"

VI. Method of
PlayComputer
EquipmentTo be specified by coordinator. All contestants will use the
same or similar equipment.

Table ManagerOne copy
of each robot will be played on a computer. Exception can be made to allow
two copies of each program (a pair) to be played on one
computer.

Matches will be controlled by a Table
Manager program. One that may be used Bridge Monitor, developed by
Gerard Joyez, or a Table Manager developed by Ian Trackman of Blue Chip Bridge Ltd. The
latter program is the property of
Blue Chip Bridge Ltd which has full copyright and other intellectual property
rights to it. If it is used it will be supplied to acceptable potential contestants solely
for the purpose of preparing for the Montreal competition. To receive a
copy an entrant must agree to the above restrictions, abide by the copyright,
agree
not distribute the program, and sign a release statement provided by Blue Chip
Bridge, Ltd.

Programs must not communicate with their
“partner” program or any other program nor search for any information.Any attempt to do so will be deemed to
be a violation of the rules. The penalty is disqualification.The ACBL reserves the right to
implement whatever network monitoring and/or other measures that it thinks fit
without disclosure to the participants.

Time-outs, bugs, crashes, and
delays

Operators may take
reasonable time-outs during a match.If a program crashes or is the subject of an obvious bug during a match,
time-out will be granted, and the operator may use his best endeavors to fix the program
within a reasonable time to be determined by the Coordinator.If he cannot do so, the
Coordinator will take whatever steps considered reasonable to ensure that none
of the other participants are disadvantaged as a result.

Programs may compute while the
opposing program is bidding or playing a card.However, all bridge-related activity
will cease for a time-out or an unexpected halt in play.

Between matches operators may improve
and/or debug their programs, provided that the program remains substantially the
same. In rare cases an adjustments may be allowed
during a match or between deals, if there is a clear and unmistakable wrong
setting and the adjustment can be made quickly.

In the event of an unexpected halt in play,
the board will be replayed.The
operator is to ensure that, when replayed, the program does not have any advance
knowledge of the interrupted board.In all cases of unexpected halts in play, the Coordinator will be
notified before play restarts.

Speed of
Computer PlayRound robin: Speed of play will be, on
average, 4 minutes per board (approximately 1/2 that of human play speed) or, on
average, 2 minutes per program pair per board. While it is expected that all
computers will be the same, if they are not then the timing of play may be
adjusted accordingly. Each 20-board Round Robin match segment is expected to be
played in 80 minutes. This excludes any set-up time or delays or
time-outs due to rulings, power outages, computer mishaps, or 5-minute coffee
break. This 2 minutes per board does not include the time for
Manual Input.

Slow play in the round robin will be penalized. A match, consisting of two
segments (corresponding to two tables of play), will be played in approximately
160 minutes. A warning will be given for the first 5-minute delay,
that is, if a program is playing its side of the table at 45 minutes per
20-boards (instead of 40 minutes per 20 boards). If a participant considers that
the opposing program is exceeding its time limit, as described here, the matter
should be referred to the Coordinator. The Coordinator may then monitor
the speed of play, or may assign a monitor. If the monitor deems that the
program’s play continues to be slower than 45 minutes for 20 boards, up to a
6-IMP penalty per monitored five-minute delay will be imposed. After a
five-minute delay the play speed must be increased to under 40 minutes per
20 boards. Further penalties of 6-IMPs per five-minute delay will be
imposed with a further time adjustment made.

After start of each match a program may raise its speed of play (play faster)
but may not lower its speed (play slower), unless the Coordinator or Director
determines that circumstances exist to allow an exception. Such
circumstances include a clear error or oversight. Intent and fairness will be
the deciding factor.

Semifinals and final: Speed of play in the semifinals and final will
also be, on average, 4 minutes per board. Timing regulations and penalties will
be similar to those in the round robin. A warning and penalties will apply if
play is longer than 37 minutes per 16-board segment.

VII. Protests and
RulingsWhen a question of conditions of contest is raised,
the Coordinator should be called. The usual infractions regarding unauthorized
information, revokes, penalty cards, leads out of turn, etc., do not take place
in computer play. Infractions may involve slow play, misinformation and
insufficient information related to explainable bids, or a failure to specify
(alert) that a bid is explainable.

Regarding a question of Insufficient/Incomplete/Incorrect InformationUnlike in
human play where the penalty is often resolved in an extreme manner, that is to
say, best/worst possible results, here our
first choice is to replay a deal with the correct information given. If this is
not possible then the Director or Coordinator will resolve the issue. There
is no intent to penalize inadvertent and infrequent misinformation. Fairness and equity will be the guideline.

The Coordinator can make a ruling or direct the inquiry to the Director.
Rulings can be discussed with the participants and reconsideration can be
requested. If reconsideration is requested, then the Coordinator and/or Director
will consult with others before making a final ruling. All decisions are final.

VIII. Code of
BehaviorInquiries before and during the
EventAll inquiries regarding this Event must be respectfully
directed to the Coordinator. Contacting the sponsors or administrators of
participating organizations must be cleared with the Coordinator. If
approved, the communication will be forwarded.

Conduct during PlayWhen play is in
session the participants (including the program operator and any representatives
associated with the entry) will maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere so as
not to affect or disturb opposing participants or other participants in the same
room.

All interaction between participants shall be respectful. Protests and
appeals made to the Coordinator or Director shall be respectful.

Promotional ActivitiesDuring the dates
the contest is being conducted and through the completion of the
ACBL's NABC , participants shall not publish, or
submit for publication, any aspect of the championship event, exhibition
matches, or informal competition of any kind,
without the express consent of the ACBL.

General
ConductA contestant, or someone associated with the contestant,
program, or company that owns the program, may not publicly criticize this
contest. Constructive criticism is welcome and should take the form of an
inquiry to the Coordinator.

Complaints
against players and officials may only be lodged with the ACBL Management. The disposition of these complaints will be final and
cannot be appealed. Any complaint deemed frivolous, false or capricious is
a violation of the Conditions of Contest.

Any lack of full cooperation with the event
administrators or officials will be considered a violation of the
Conditions of Contest. It is an offense and violation of the Conditions of
Contest to fail to comply with instructions of an event official. This applies to
all Conditions of Contest whether before, during and after the play dates.

One
violation of
the Conditions of Contest is cause for a warning or disqualification. A
second violation will result in disqualification.